The Faithful Wife.
“A man was sentenced to twenty years' confinement
for a deed of violence. In the excitement of
the moment his wife sought and obtained a divorce.
Thirteen years afterward he was pardoned. The
wife brought the pardon to the gate; the couple
left the spot arm in arm; and in less than an hour
they were again united in the bonds of wedlock.”
Such is the touching tale narrated by a newspaper
correspondent. It is in every respect true; I knew
the parties well, and during that long bitter period
of thirteen years it was commonly asked concerning
the woman: “Hasn't that hag trapped anybody
yet? She'll have to take back old Jabe when he gets
out.” And she did. For nearly thirteen weary
years she struggled nobly against fate: she went
after every unmarried man in her part of the country;
but “No,” said they, “we cannot—indeed we cannot—marry
you, after the way you went back on
Jabe. It is likely that under the same circumstances
you would play us the same scurvy trick.
G'way, woman!” And so the poor old heartbroken
creature had to go to the Governor and get
the old man pardoned out. Bless her for her steadfast
fidelity!
